Wednesday reader's view: Benefit of improved streetscapes

Keith A. Pretty

Published
9:46 am EDT, Wednesday, October 19, 2016

To the editor:

Earlier this month, Northwood University hosted its 53rd annual International Auto Show. The NUIAS is one of the largest events of the year for our campus, bringing tens of thousands of visitors and held in conjunction with our homecoming game and festivities. Throughout the year, this and other events, such as commencement and style show, bring thousands to our community. Each time, we are proud to have our growing residential campus here in Midland.

As this City of Modern Explorers prepares to embark on a project that will revitalize and enrich our downtown, I am excited about the future of Midland. The streetscape project will be instrumental in keeping our downtown safe, accessible, modern and interesting.

Improved streetscapes will not only benefit those who visit downtown Midland, but will also impact our university. As we recruit future business leaders from around the world, we know it’s important to offer them an exciting and dynamic destination city. A vibrant downtown drives enterprise and makes our community’s economy stronger. With this project, Midland’s Downtown Development Authority is ensuring this city will be appealing to visitors of all ages long into the future.

Northwood and downtown Midland together hosted events this fall which in the past were held on our campus. We hope to continue to partner and highlight what downtown Midland has to offer. Students quickly learn the commercial parts of our city, but easier access will treat them to the charms of downtown instead, supporting local business and stimulating our city’s economy.

Midland is the 13th largest metropolitan area in the state of Michigan, according to a 2015 Michigan Economic Competitiveness study conducted by Northwood economists on behalf of the Michigan Chamber Foundation. Midland is a growing, important player in our state’s economy and beyond. We look forward to that continued growth and opportunities for partnership in this great city. The nearby downtown streetscapes will improve the way thousands of Northwood visitors navigate Midland’s inviting downtown businesses.

On behalf of Northwood University, we appreciate our community and everything it affords us. We want to see Midland flourish and continue to grow. At the same time, our university will continue to educate the next generation of modern explorers of free enterprise.